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Country Guide > Central America > El Salvador | |
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Health
1 A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over six months of age coming from infected areas. 2 Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry into El Salvador. However, cases of cholera were reported in 1996 and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. 3 Typhoid is common and vaccination against typhoid and polio is advised. 4 Very low malaria risk, predominantly in the benign vivax form, exists all year in Santa Ana Province and in rural areas of migratory influence. Food & drink All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is recommended, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Other risks Dengue fever (including dengue haemorrhagic fever) is reported to be on the increase. Travellers should ask their doctor for advice before travelling. Visceral leishmaniasis occurs in this country, as well as cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmanisis. Hepatitis A occurs and precautions should be taken; see the Health appendix for further information. Rabies is widespread, particularly in dogs and bats. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For persons at high risk of exposure on a continuing basis, it may be advisable to have a course of rabies vaccine. Persons taking animals to El Salvador should be certain that the animals are immunised against rabies. Health care There are about 50 state-run hospitals with a total of more than 7000 beds. Medical facilities are limited and doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment. Health insurance is essential as there is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. |